retroblog.net » guitars

innovator – guitarist – Les Paul dies at age 94

retroDan — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:24:18 +0000

Legendary guitarist/inventor Les Paul died at the age of 94 today. He revolutionized the music world by being the first to utilize multi-track recording as well as by creating the solid-body electric guitar. I can’t even imagine what popular music (especially rock music) would be like if it wasn’t for him. He is a true icon and will very much be missed. Rest in peace, Les.

Here’s a clip of Les Paul performing “I Can’t Get Started” in NYC back in 2006

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The Moog Guitar

retroDan — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:27:10 +0000

mainly known for their early innovations in the world of synthesizers, Moog has now moved into the realm of guitars!! The Moog Guitar is creating a lot of buzz among guitarists with its ability to sustain a string indefinitely at every fret position and at any volume. The new line of guitars aren’t “guitar synthesizers” but basically a traditional guitar with new electronics that can to create a whole new range of sounds.

Here’s an overview of the new technology used on the guitar on youtube:

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Can’t wait to try it out when it arrives at my local guitar shop.

New Taylor Custom SolidBody Guitars

retroDan — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:44:52 +0000

Known the world over for the quality of their acoustic guitars, Taylor has recently introduced a new line of solidbody electric guitars. Now, I haven’t “lusted” after a guitar in ages but after seeing the new Taylor Custom with it’s sapele wood body, walnut top and mahogany neck, I’m definitely placing the guitar on the top of my want list for 2008. With their long standing reputation on the line, I’m sure Taylor didn’t want to simply enter the electric guitar market without bringing along some innovations and fresh designs into the mix. And fortunately they did. The new line of guitars feature custom designed humbuckers, a 5-way pickup selector, a T-Lock single bolt neck, an original all aluminum bridge and a smooth and elegant body design. I have to say that I just love the way the Taylor Custom looks. It seems to be a mash-up between the classic Les Paul design and Taylor’s own T5 acoustic-electric guitars. One of the interesting things about the Taylor Custom is that it’s NOT completely a “solidbody”. The guitar is strategically chambered for tone as well as to reduce some of the weight from the sapele wood. Reading all the positive reviews and watching the various online videos about the guitar, it’s obvious that Taylor has managed to HIT this one out of the ballpark!! Head out to your local music shop to see this new guitar for yourself.

Taylor Custom Specs:
Scale length: 24-7/8″ Taylor short scale
Neck joint: single bolt T-lock neck joint
Neck: traditional Taylor neck
Frets: 22
Bridge: Aluminum Taylor-designed
Pickups: Taylor-designed humbuckers
Pickup control: 5-way selector

watch the Taylor Solidbody Video clip on youtube: